For Sunday, September 28

Hebrew Bible:	Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm:	Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Epistle:	Philippians 2:1-13
New Testament:	Matthew 21:23-32

Theme: God's Sustaining Presence
Sermon: God at Work (for God is at work in you... Phil 2:13)
Hymns:
#27 From All That Dwell Below the Skies
#488 Take My Life, God, Let It Be
#565 God Whose Giving Knows No Ending (v. 1 and 4 only)

This is our Stewardship Sunday, the day we offer our "estimate of giving" forms along with our offering for the day. It is an expression of faith, to submit ourselves to the discipline of regular giving. It is perhaps even more meaningful when it is more difficult.
Generosity is counter-cultural. The messages of the marketplace are "more for me." Advertising is designed to make us feel anxious about what we lack. Jesus advises: do not worry about your life, what to eat, what to wear. God knows what you need, and God provides.
Giving obviously blesses those who receive; but generous giving also blesses the giver with an inexplicable peace. Opening our hands to the poor relaxes our grip on the possessions that possess us. To be able to let go, and then realize, that we are still OK, that we actually have more than enough to live, that is a priceless insight.
God is at work in us. We are not complete, perfect disciples, but we are able to do more than we can ask or imagine when we acknowledge that God is at work within us and through us. Blessing us and blessing others through our generosity.

For Sunday, September 21st

Hebrew Bible: Exodus 16:2-15
(Bread from heaven.)

Psalm: Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
(O give thanks to the Lord.)

Epistle: Philippians 1:21-30
(The apostle encourages the Philippians to persevere in the struggle.)

New Testament: Matthew 20:1-16
(The parable of the laborers in the vineyard.)

Sunday Bulletin Focus: Tension in the Wilderness
Our Focus: God is Generous
Hymns:
#22, Sing Praise to God (tune: LOBE DEN HERREN)
#18, Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer (tune: CWM RHONDDA)
#370, What Gift Can We Bring (tune: ANNIVERSARY SONG)

For Sunday, September 14

Hebrew Bible: Exodus 14:19-31
(The parting of the Red Sea.)

Psalm: Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
(Both are hymns of celebration, commemorating the parting of the sea.)
Epistle: Romans 14:1-12
(Caution against judging the faith-practice of others. "We belong to Christ.")

New Testament: Matthew 18:21-35
(How many times should I forgive? Parable of the unforgiving servant.)

Sunday Bulletin Theme: Road to Freedom
Stewardship emphasis: Gifts of time & talent.

We are following the Exodus journey in our Old Testament readings. We began a few weeks ago with the story of baby Moses being rescued from the River Nile; now the hero leads his people through the Red Sea waters from slavery to freedom.
The New Testament readings remind us that we are not the boss of each other; we are all slaves (or servants, if you prefer) accountable to another master. The epistle lesson begins: "Welcome those who are weak in the faith; but not for the purpose of quarreling." Anyone who has verbally sparred with someone whose faith journey takes an alternate route (to put it kindly) will know how fruitless and hurtful it can be. Who is to say whose faith is weak and whose is strong? Best to keep our eyes on our own exam book, and do our own spiritual work.
The group working on our church's annual stewardship campaign selected the hymn, "Here I am Lord," to accompany an appeal for gifts of time and talent.

For Sunday September 7

Hebrew Bible: Exodus 12:1-14
(Moses institutes a holiday-- the observance of Passover.)
Psalm: Psalm 149
(Sing and dance, praise the Lord who delights in the humble.)
Epistle: Romans 13:8-14
(The one who loves fulfills the law.)
New Testament: Matthew 18:15-20
(Tell it to the church.)

Sunday Bulletin Theme: Remember, Restore, Renew
Our Focus: "Welcome" Sunday

I remember how, when I was a little girl, I expressed sympathy for Reverend Mellish, our pastor, because, it seemed to me, he always had to be so serious. Somehow I equated a religious nature with a dour expression. I have observed over the years that many of us form that theory, and never experience anything that disproves it.
But here in the scriptures we are commanded to celebrate! We are encouraged to sing and dance! We are ordered to cease from work at regular intervals, to rest and recreate.
Anyone who thinks "churchiness" is serious business should come to a council meeting, and note how much laughter we share around the table. Yes, there is serious work done there too, but we never take ourselves so seriously that we can't laugh at ourselves.
I wonder how many people avoid church because they think it must be morbid. We could do a great service to God and to our neighbors by sharing our joy in worship.
This is Welcome Sunday, which is a good time to call up friends and invite them to church. Choir practice begins at 8:45 a.m., Worship is at 10:00 (as always) and Church School for children begins after worship with an Open House for parents. Adult Forum will start next week.
See you in church.